(The Center Square) — Florida regulators are mulling over a rate hike proposal for one of the largest electricity providers in the Sunshine State this week with hearings that kicked off this week. The Tampa Electric Company is seeking to raise its base rates for 844,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across West Central Florida, including Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco and Pinellas counties. The Florida Public Service Commission is considering arguments from both TECO and customer advocates and the hearings are expected to last through the week. The company petitioned for a $287….